Venezuelan Cachapas con Queso

🌽 Venezuelan Cachapas con Queso

🥞 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Cachapa Batter

• 3 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, corn is already sweet)

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp cornmeal (optional, for texture)

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1 tbsp melted butter or oil

Filling

• 8–10 slices fresh mozzarella (or queso de mano if available)

For Cooking

• Butter or oil for frying

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Batter

   • Blend corn, egg, milk, sugar, salt, cornmeal, and butter.

   • Texture should be thick but pourable (like pancake batter).

2. Heat Pan

   • Heat a nonstick or cast-iron pan over medium heat.

   • Grease lightly with butter.

3. Cook Cachapas

   • Pour about ½ cup batter per pancake.

   • Cook 3–4 minutes until bubbles form and edges set.

   • Flip carefully and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden.

4. Add Cheese

   • Place cheese on one cachapa while hot.

   • Top with another cachapa (or fold in half).

   • Cook briefly until cheese melts.

5. Serve

   • Serve hot with extra butter if desired.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Fresh corn gives the best flavor and sweetness

• Don’t overblend — small corn bits improve texture

• Low–medium heat prevents burning

❓ Q & A (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Can I use canned corn?

Yes, but drain very well and reduce added sugar.

Q2: What cheese is traditional?

• Queso de mano (most authentic)

• Mozzarella (best substitute)

• Mild farmer’s cheese

Q3: Are cachapas sweet or savory?

Both! Naturally sweet corn + salty cheese = perfect balance.

Q4: Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes. Cachapas are naturally gluten-free (corn-based).

Q5: Can I make batter ahead?

Yes. Refrigerate up to 24 hours, stir before using.

Q6: Can I freeze cachapas?

• Cooked cachapas freeze well up to 1 month

• Reheat in pan, not microwave (best texture)

Q7: Why are my cachapas breaking?

• Batter too thin → add 1 tbsp cornmeal

• Pan too hot → lower heat

Q8: What do Venezuelans eat with cachapas?

• Butter 🧈

• Avocado 🥑

• Fried eggs 🍳

• Ham or shredded beef

Q9: Are cachapas breakfast or dinner?

Both! Popular as breakfast, street food, or snack.